The University of Chittagong has rolled out a new, more rigorous process for hiring teachers. For the first time, recruitment is moving beyond just interviews to ensure better-qualified faculty make the cut, introducing a three-stage evaluation system: written test, presentation, and viva.

The revised recruitment policy was approved during the university’s 558th syndicate meeting on 4 January. As per the policy, only those who secure at least 60% in the written exam qualify for the next rounds involving presentation and viva.

At a media briefing yesterday (26 July), VC Prof Dr Mohammad Yahia Akhter said the new system values teaching aptitude over just high scores. If no suitable candidate is found, a fresh recruitment circular will be issued.

He stated, “There were longstanding allegations of irregularities in teacher recruitment through viva alone. To address this, we’ve introduced a structured process involving written, presentation, and oral assessments.”

The process has already been implemented in three departments. On 24 July, four candidates appeared for the English department recruitment test under the Faculty of Social Sciences.

The following day, 29 candidates participated in the test at the Institute of Modern Languages. On 26 July, 42 applicants sat for the exam in the Department of Banking and Insurance.

A candidate praised the reform, saying, “Previously, teacher recruitment was based solely on viva, which was prone to bias. This system brings much-needed transparency to the selection process.”